NBA: New York Knicks clinch first playoff spot since 2012-13

NBA: New York Knicks clinch first playoff spot since 2012-13

Atlanta and New York validated their ticket to NBA playoffs.

New York did not need to play to secure its place in the playoffs. The Knicks took advantage of the 102-94 Boston’s loss to Boston against Cleveland. The Celtics relied , as often, on Jayson Tatum (29 points, 8 assists), but that was not enough to stop Cleveland and Kevin Love (30 points and 14 rebounds).

Atlanta defeated Washington 120-116 thanks to Trae Young (33 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds), Bogdan Bogdanovic (20 points) and John Collins (18 points). For the Wizards, Russell Westbrook finished this time with a double-double (34 points, 15 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals).

In the West, the Lakers remain in the race for a playoff spot. The defending champion won 124-122 against Houston thanks to a clutch basket from Kyle Kuzma (19 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists) with six seconds remaining.

The Lakers are still in seventh place with 40 wins and 30 losses, one less success than Portland and Dallas. The Blazers (5th) defeated Utah (98-105), thanks to Damian Lillard (30 points) and CJ McCollum (26 points).

The Mavericks of Luka Doncic (33 points, 8 assists) won 125-107 against New Orleans.